Its a tricky thing when the economics of business get tangled up with music. There can be a danger of music all being similar in order to target what is "the in thing". Labels (in any genre) will tend to back something that sounds like another tune that is successful.

When pressing to vinyl it is even more of a risk as there must be a solid market ready for the release due to the investment of going to press. Its not easy to do, it takes time and delicate intuition to build up a labels reputation to attract regular customers.

Releasing to other formats (ie: digital) is a good tool for labels to use in order to "test the water" of a potential new artist or fresh style emerging. Digital formats also help labels to expand their potential market by offering their product to the millions of fans who have portable media players now too....(not to mention new technology available for mixing)

Its all about choice.

Sorry to further take this thread away from its original point of discussion....oops!!